Chapter 7 The Live-in Husband Rise to fame

Liam(pov)

staring out at the dazzling cityscape, I was torn. Even amid the plush surroundings of my penthouse office, a subtle ache pervaded my soul. The memory of Haven clung to me like a wisp of smoke, refusing to be extinguished no matter how much I tried to focus on the task at hand.

I had fallen for her years ago, her presence a soothing balm in the midst of the chaos my life had become. Yet, our love was tainted by the reality of our contractual marriage, a ticking time bomb that threatened to destroy everything we'd built.

The knowledge of Haven's new life, wrapped in the embrace of another man, sliced through me like a serrated blade. Each day was a fresh reminder of what could have been, a haunting echo of our stolen moments together.

I was adrift, like a ship without a captain, tossed about by waves of emotion. My love for Haven had been laid bare, only to be trampled on by forces beyond my control. And now, as I watched her slip away from me with each passing day, I was powerless to stop her.

With a weary sigh, I said my good nights to Grandfather and trudged off to bed. Despite the demands of my work, my mind was fixated on the launch party and the truth that awaited. I was determined to conceal my true identity until that pivotal moment, like a phoenix waiting to rise from the ashes.

I yearned to shock the world with my revelation, to showcase the depth of my transformation from the boy I had been to the man I'd become. But until that day, I would bide my time, waiting for the perfect moment to unleash the truth.

Haven(pov)

the next morning, as my mother's footsteps retreated, I ventured down the staircase, my stomach roiling at the thought of James' impending arrival. Though his friendship was firm, his affection filled me with dread.

"Haven, a pleasure as always," he said, his smile beaming despite my unease.

"James," I responded, mustering a smile to mask my distress, "you look well ."

A tension thicker than a summer's haze hung between us, crackling with a static charge that left me on edge.

Haven, would you do me the honour of accompanying me to dinner this evening?" James inquired, his eyes twinkling with hope.

I hesitated, torn between duty and my own heart's desire. "James, while your invitation is most kind, I'm not sure that"

"Please, Haven," he cut in, his voice gentle yet pleading, "a night out would do us both some good, I think."

After a moment's pause, I nodded my agreement. "Very well, James," I replied, surrendering to the inevitable. "A night out may indeed be beneficial, provided we keep it casual."

Relief washed over James' face, and a smile pulled at the corners of his mouth. "I appreciate your acquiescence, Haven. And don't worry, casual it will be."

With that, we made our arrangements, and I returned to my room, a mixture of resignation and anticipation welling within me.

I stretched out on the bed, pondering the possibility that a night out with James could provide the much-needed respite from the recent chaos of my life. But why, I wondered, did my mother insist on setting me up with James when she knew full well that we were nothing more than friends? And with my divorce from Liam still pending, the prospect of starting a new relationship felt like walking on uncertain ground. I couldn't help but question the wisdom of my mother's motives.

I was acutely aware of my love for Liam, which made the idea of marrying James a prospect I couldn't stomach. But what could I do to prevent this unwanted union? I contemplated my options, desperately searching for an escape from this unwanted fate.

My mind raced with ideas, but none seemed viable. I could not defy my mother's wishes without incurring her wrath. I was caught in a web of familial duty and desire, unable to break free without dire consequences.

My dad had been my guiding light, someone who truly understood me when nobody else did. When he passed away, a hole was left in my heart. Liam, with his never-ending love and support, tried to fill that hole. Without Liam, I felt lost and confused. He was like my anchor, keeping me steady. Liam was always strong and loyal, helping me cope with my grief.Now, the loss of Liam was like a double blow. The man who had helped me through the toughest time in my life was gone because of my mother. He had been my lifeline when the world felt like it was against me, and now I felt adrift without him. My mother, who was supposed to love and support me, had taken away the one person who had understood me and loved me unconditionally.